Riga Black Balsam Original
  • fruit
  • floral
  • herbs
  • earthy
  • rose
  • elderflower
  • blueberry
  • woody
  • slightly sweet
Riga Black Balsam Original
Riga Black Balsam Original

Reviews & Tasting Notes - Riga Black Balsam

Original (0.75l, 45%*) *please note that the ABV of this bottle may vary
Price $31.99

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Character Goatson

Based on 23 votes, the average rating for Riga Black Balsam Original is 5.6/10.

Top reviews for Riga Black Balsam Original:

― Negative reviews? You have no idea what yoz are talking about or have no taste.

― Outstanding. It very CLEARLY advertises itself as an herbal, local specialty. EVERY SINGLE COMPARABLE ALCOHOL is herbal/green and bitter. If you order it expecting anything but, then it's YOUR *complete* failure...don't give the spirit a low rating. If you know what to expect, this is exceptional. This is in the same category as Zwack/Unicum from Hungary, but better IMHO. I thoroughly enjoyed the Hungarian liquor, but this one has more complexity (i.e., variety) *and* depth (i.e., over time). The flavor changes in your mouth over the better part of a minute, which is really spectacular. I also put Mallort (Chicago, IL, USA) in the same category, but Mallort is a very clean and simple bitter liquor by comparison; I love Mallort, but - again - the Riga Black Balsam has tremendously more complexity and depth. Absolutely fantastic neat. I can't wait to experiment with making cocktails using it.

― You don’t drink Angostura bitters by itself, so I don’t think this was meant for drinking. It helps tone down the sweetness of cocktails like the toasted almond. Experiments are ongoing!

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Why people love it?

Riga Black Balsam Original which is carefully distilled at Latvijas Balzams is adored for its fruit, floral, herbs and earthy flavor notes.

Learn more about this
  • Category Liqueur
  • Country Latvia
  • Region Riga
  • Distillery Latvijas Balzams
  • Age NAS
  • Style Liqueur
  • Alcohol 45%*
*please note that the ABV of this bottle may vary California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 WARNING.

Appearance / Color
Deep Black

Nose / Aroma / Smell
The fragrance is deeply complex with layer upon layer of fruits, florals, and herbals over an earthy sweetness.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Unlike anything else, it has flavor elements from Vermouth and Absinth underpinning notes of rose water, elderflower, blueberry cobbler, and sandalwood.

Finish
The finish is long, herbal, and lightly sweet.

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